I hope that you will be open to the Coptic Orthodox Church, not merely because you love a man who is Coptic, but because you really believe that the Jesus is our Lord, God, and Savior, and that He established our Holy Faith to share His Sacred Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.

If you mention that you are only converting in order to get married, that will upset a lot of people.

Ask the Priest to help instruct you, but only accept Baptism if you truly believe.

Please forgive me, I apologize if my tone may be misunderstood; but this quote above raises a very serious question for me.I'm not directing this toward the original poster, but perhaps to someone more advanced who could help me understand better.

I have attended both Orthodox and Roman Catholic services, and even though I am not Orthodox yet,I cross myself the Orthodox Way at BOTH services, even when going up for Catholic Communion.

I had a Catholic Priest tell me it was okay to do this, and they even approach me and offer me Catholic CommunionKNOWING that I am going to Cross Myself the Orthodox Way, in the Catholic Church, in front of everyone.

I will explain that I was raised Roman Catholic, I made my first communion at age 7, and it was all forced on me.

When I started attending the Orthodox Church, the right to left way of crossing oneself seemed more natural to me.So, I always do it that way, even when I'm with Roman Catholics who all cross themselves from left to right.

I will admit that I have NEVER seen anyone cross themselves the Roman Catholic Way in the Orthodox Church,however, I have witnessed others crossing themselves the Orthodox Way in the Catholic Church on occasion, also.

Internally, I feel so strongly about crossing myself the Orthodox Way, that I'm incapable of doing it the Catholic Way anymore.

If I were to ever go up for Catholic Communion and cross myself the Catholic Way, that would be an extreme act of hypocrisyon my part, because I would be doing it only out of intimidation for how it "looks", or out of "fear"; instead of any kind of sincerity.

I'm not necessarily interested in the technical issues about Orthodox receiving Catholic Communion, here.I have the desire to become Orthodox eventually, but it hasn't happened yet.When I attend Orthodox services, the Roman Catholic services become much more interesting to me.So, I either go to both of them, or neither of them, at the current moment.But, since I made my Catholic Communion at age 7, I feel entitled to receive Catholic Communion,until I actually become Orthodox; and since they freely offer it to me, even though I already told several Catholic Priests that I plan to become Orthodox, and I openly cross myself the Orthodox Way; and they are okay with it, I still accept Catholic Communion when I go there.

My only point here, is that if a Catholic Priest refused me communion, or told me I had to cross myself the Catholic Way;then I would rather not receive Catholic Communion, instead of crossing myself the Catholic Way.But, instead they freely offer it to me, and even say it is okay to cross myself the Orthodox Way, so I still accept it.

What I am trying to do here, is to address the issue of Crossing Myself the Orthodox Way in a Catholic Church;and the way I would feel if someone insisted I must cross myself the Catholic Way, because "that will upset a lot of people".

So, now we have someone converting in order to get married and be accepted into an Orthodox Family;and then someone says:

"If you mention that you are only converting in order to get married, that will upset a lot of people."

So, now it is not enough to merely "Convert" to try and please your future husband and his family;but now you have to take it to the next level.

Not to say this would happen, but if this engagement broke up and this person met a protestant,do you really think they would still go through with the conversion and become Orthodox to marry a protestant?

Now please, I mean this as a very serious question, not as a joke.

If you are converting just to please an Orthodox Family, why isn't that enough?You could just refuse to convert, and have a divided household.

Why the necessity to say something that is not true, because "that will upset a lot of people"?Isn't it worse to go through all of this pretending; than to be honest about why you are converting?

And, please, I'm not addressing the sincerity of the first poster here.I'm saying, why the intimidation?Isn't it enough to convert to be accepted into a family?Can't the faith part come later?

Roman Catholics make communion at 7, and confirmation at 13; and yet even the confirmation is forced.If you are from a strong Roman Catholic family, you do not have a choice to leave until you are 18.

I see Orthodox giving Communion to infants.Do you not primarily become Orthodox because your family is Orthodox?

Why do you also have to fake some kind of sincerity, just because you were not "born" into an Orthodox family?

Honestly, I only say this because if a protestant wanted to convert to RC to marry a Catholic,the issue I would have is "why do you want to do that to yourself"? Why not stay protestant?I could never question their sincerity; because I do not know any "sincere" Roman Catholics.I only know "forced" Roman Catholics, and the ones who went to Parochial Catholic Schoolsseem much less enthused about being Catholic, than the ones who escaped to Public School.

The alternative is to require all Orthodox to become a certain age, before ANY of them get baptized.Then, you can start questioning converts sincerity.

So my issue is, why is it that if you come from an Orthodox family, you are seemingly exempted from any sincerity requirements;but if you are a protestant, it is not enough to just convert to become accepted;but now you MUST prove that you are "sincere" as well;or you will "upset a lot of people"?

How sincere are these "people" being about their Christianity, to get "upset" about someone's motives for converting?Especially when the only main reason "they" are Orthodox is because they were born into it?

I'm not denying the reality that this may be true.Maybe it is not enough to convert, but you also have to prove you are "sincere" about it as well.But, my concern is: "How is that Christian?"

According to this article about "Worshiping in Spirit and Truth"it would seem to be better to be honest about converting because you want to get married?

True worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth [Jn 4:23].

True worshipers worship in Truth. We can be bad, we can be much more sinful than the Samaritan woman, but we cannot be liars, we should not be liars. God is capable of saving every person, but He is powerless before our lies, when we become enmeshed in lies, when we lie before ourselves, lie before people, lie before God. Christ can save the repentant sinner, but He cannot help the sham righteous person, as we like to represent ourselves.

Now, when people are exhausted by spiritual thirst, sick and poisoned by the rubbish of toxic atheistic teachings, modern Samaritans and pagans seek the true water of life in order to revive their dying spirits and to strengthen their weakened bodies, everyone needs to find within themselves the truthfulness and strength to see themselves without embellishment and lies. For only then can the Lord—the Truth, Righteousness, and Life—respond to our bitter truth and teach us to worship Him in spirit and truth.

According to this, isn't it better to be honest about why you want to convert,even it is "just for marriage"; than to be forced to take it to the next level, so as "not to upset people"?

Again, I'm not denying that this might be true, and that people might be upset with someone converting just for marriage.But, why should your motive for converting have to respond to this kind of intimidation?

Did the Samaritan Woman in the article need to face intimidation before being "allowed" to accept Christor was it simply enough for her to believe?

I'm just not sure why the "fear of upsetting people" should be the motive for anything to do with the churchoutside of a sincere desire to join it?

How are you "Worshiping in Spirit and Truth" if your main motive is to avoid "upsetting people"?I guess I'm just troubled because the first two posts on this thread were honest, and the rest seems questionable.

And I had just finished reading this article which I will quote again:

True worshipers worship in Truth. We can be bad, we can be much more sinful than the Samaritan woman, but we cannot be liars, we should not be liars. God is capable of saving every person, but He is powerless before our lies, when we become enmeshed in lies, when we lie before ourselves, lie before people, lie before God. Christ can save the repentant sinner, but He cannot help the sham righteous person, as we like to represent ourselves.

These two points are contradictory.Either it is better to just admit you want to convert to be married and leave it at that;and it is unacceptable for these people to become upset or this article is wrong,and being a Christian is all about intimidation and not upsetting people, rather than"Worshiping in Spirit and Truth".

Why defend this idea of people being upset and intimidating people into telling you what you want to hear?

I guess it would be helpful if someone could explain how to make church attendance more about Worshiping Godrather than all about being afraid of "upsetting people"?

Any assistance that could be provided in this direction would be very helpful.Thank you.

Dear Robotron 2084

I am starting a new thread where this topic may be addressed.

There are Byzantine Catholics who make the Sign of the Cross in the same manner as do Orthodox Christians. Since Byzantine Catholics do visit Roman Catholic Churches, and RC priests have been instructed not to refuse them communion, you should not worry.

I will pray that you might receive the grace to convert to Holy Orthodoxy.

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The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

If you mention that you are only converting in order to get married, that will upset a lot of people.

I guess it would be helpful if someone could explain how to make church attendance more about Worshiping Godrather than all about being afraid of "upsetting people"?

There are Byzantine Catholics who make the Sign of the Cross in the same manner as do Orthodox Christians. Since Byzantine Catholics do visit Roman Catholic Churches, and RC priests have been instructed not to refuse them communion, you should not worry.

I will pray that you might receive the grace to convert to Holy Orthodoxy.

Dear Maria,

Thanks so much for your well-informed response.

I never would have known about Byzantine Catholics or their attendance/acceptance at Roman Catholic Churches.I only would have guessed they were Orthodox Visitors, so thanks for enlightening me about that.

Sorry for the delay, but I had an emotional response to the first topic, and went into too much detail.I didn't necessarily want this to be about the sign of the cross, but more about the worry of upsetting people.

However, the sign of the cross example first came to mind, and so I will try to make that one work.I am speaking of attending the RC church I was raised in and attended all my life with my family.

It does seem awkward to my family members, when I cross myself the opposite way that they do;but like I said I already talked to the Priests about it, and they never objected or said it even mattered to them.

But, since I was raised in this Church as a "cradle Roman Catholic"; I'm not really worried if it "upsets people" or not,mostly because I know the "reality" of being a Roman Catholic, and intuitively understand what the expectations are.

I won't remark here about what I might say to an Orthodox Visitor who would be afraid of "upsetting people" and trying to adapt, but,there is a difference in your confidence level when at your home church; or a visitor thinking of converting to a different belief system.

As a visitor to an Orthodox Church and not knowing anything at all about what to do there, I'm only concerned about safety.So, the idea that someone would become upset at me for something that I could never possibly know, is extremely intimidating.

There should be a form of special consideration given to visitors who don't know anything, and unknowingly make mistakes there.Perhaps also, if you could try to teach or instruct a new inquirer about what they don't know, would seem helpful too.

However, when you attend a church full of cradle orthodox, who learned everything from birth or their families;they sometimes expect you to automatically know what they know, without teaching you anything; and then often "get upset" at you for things you could never possibly know or guess.After awhile, it no longer becomes about merely Worshiping God or Praying anymore.

Your statement of "only accept Baptism if you truly believe" does not match my actual experience of attendance there.Your personal "beliefs" don't seem to have anything to do with it. You can walk into an Orthodox Church already knowing about the bible and having the most sincere beliefs,but the only thing most Orthodox seem to care about is ritual observance, venerating icons, and innumerable other mysterious incomprehensible things.

You cannot imagine how strange everything looks to an outsider who wasn't raised Orthodox.Having sincere beliefs alone isn't enough to overcome the barriers present.The only way to convert, seems to be if you are joining a family.

What difference does it make how sincere you are or what you believe, if that is your goal?As long as you can perform the rituals correctly, and venerate icons the right way, it doesn't seem to matter what your personal beliefs are at all?

Thanks for the new thread. I'm sorry if what I've said upsets you, but these are genuine concerns that I currently have.I greatly appreciate your saying: "I will pray that you might receive the grace to convert to Holy Orthodoxy."

Hopefully someday, but I only wish I knew how to make it happen, you know?

You can walk into an Orthodox Church already knowing about the bible and having the most sincere beliefs,but the only thing most Orthodox seem to care about is ritual observance, venerating icons, and innumerable other mysterious incomprehensible things.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

You can walk into an Orthodox Church already knowing about the bible and having the most sincere beliefs,but the only thing most Orthodox seem to care about is ritual observance, venerating icons, and innumerable other mysterious incomprehensible things.

Venerating icons IS a part of belief.

Indeed it is. There is even a feast of the Church dedicated to it, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, on the first Sunday of Great Lent.

You can walk into an Orthodox Church already knowing about the bible and having the most sincere beliefs,but the only thing most Orthodox seem to care about is ritual observance, venerating icons, and innumerable other mysterious incomprehensible things.

Venerating icons IS a part of belief.

Indeed it is. There is even a feast of the Church dedicated to it, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, on the first Sunday of Great Lent.

Something the RC's celebrate, do they not?

PP

Logged

"I confidently affirm that whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is the precursor of Antichrist"Gregory the Great

"Never, never, never let anyone tell you that, in order to be Orthodox, you must also be eastern." St. John Maximovitch, The Wonderworker

Mor Ephrem is a nice guy. Just say sorry and it will all be ok. Say I had things that were inside troubling me but I didn't know how to express appropriately. I will not behave that way again but I am seeking help.

If you mention that you are only converting in order to get married, that will upset a lot of people.

I guess it would be helpful if someone could explain how to make church attendance more about Worshiping Godrather than all about being afraid of "upsetting people"?

There are Byzantine Catholics who make the Sign of the Cross in the same manner as do Orthodox Christians. Since Byzantine Catholics do visit Roman Catholic Churches, and RC priests have been instructed not to refuse them communion, you should not worry.

I will pray that you might receive the grace to convert to Holy Orthodoxy.

Dear Maria,

Thanks so much for your well-informed response.

I never would have known about Byzantine Catholics or their attendance/acceptance at Roman Catholic Churches.I only would have guessed they were Orthodox Visitors, so thanks for enlightening me about that.

Sorry for the delay, but I had an emotional response to the first topic, and went into too much detail.I didn't necessarily want this to be about the sign of the cross, but more about the worry of upsetting people.

However, the sign of the cross example first came to mind, and so I will try to make that one work.I am speaking of attending the RC church I was raised in and attended all my life with my family.

It does seem awkward to my family members, when I cross myself the opposite way that they do;but like I said I already talked to the Priests about it, and they never objected or said it even mattered to them.

But, since I was raised in this Church as a "cradle Roman Catholic"; I'm not really worried if it "upsets people" or not,mostly because I know the "reality" of being a Roman Catholic, and intuitively understand what the expectations are.

I won't remark here about what I might say to an Orthodox Visitor who would be afraid of "upsetting people" and trying to adapt, but,there is a difference in your confidence level when at your home church; or a visitor thinking of converting to a different belief system.

As a visitor to an Orthodox Church and not knowing anything at all about what to do there, I'm only concerned about safety.So, the idea that someone would become upset at me for something that I could never possibly know, is extremely intimidating.

There should be a form of special consideration given to visitors who don't know anything, and unknowingly make mistakes there.Perhaps also, if you could try to teach or instruct a new inquirer about what they don't know, would seem helpful too.

However, when you attend a church full of cradle orthodox, who learned everything from birth or their families;they sometimes expect you to automatically know what they know, without teaching you anything; and then often "get upset" at you for things you could never possibly know or guess.After awhile, it no longer becomes about merely Worshiping God or Praying anymore.

Your statement of "only accept Baptism if you truly believe" does not match my actual experience of attendance there.Your personal "beliefs" don't seem to have anything to do with it. You can walk into an Orthodox Church already knowing about the bible and having the most sincere beliefs,but the only thing most Orthodox seem to care about is ritual observance, venerating icons, and innumerable other mysterious incomprehensible things.

You cannot imagine how strange everything looks to an outsider who wasn't raised Orthodox.Having sincere beliefs alone isn't enough to overcome the barriers present.The only way to convert, seems to be if you are joining a family.

What difference does it make how sincere you are or what you believe, if that is your goal?As long as you can perform the rituals correctly, and venerate icons the right way, it doesn't seem to matter what your personal beliefs are at all?

Thanks for the new thread. I'm sorry if what I've said upsets you, but these are genuine concerns that I currently have.I greatly appreciate your saying: "I will pray that you might receive the grace to convert to Holy Orthodoxy."

Hopefully someday, but I only wish I knew how to make it happen, you know?

Dear friend,

I was a cradle Roman Catholic and remained in the RCC for most of my life. When the now retired Archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Mahony, started his liturgical revolution and published his little book on that subject, my family had had enough.

We started attending the Melkite Eastern Catholic Church (aka Orthodox Catholics) and occasionally visited the Byzantine Catholics (Ruthenian Eastern Catholics). We had no trouble making the Orthodox Sign of the Cross. However, when we visited a Roman Catholic Church once, and made the RCC Sign of the Cross so as not to confuse the Roman Catholics, then we became confused. Upon our return to the Melkite Church the next day, we accidentally inserted the "filioque" and then crossed ourselves several times the wrong way. The Melkite Bishop almost choked.

After three years of attending the Eastern Catholic Churches and attending inquiry classes at the local Orthodox Church, we finally took the plunge and became catechumens in the Orthodox Church.

Even though we had studied and read widely about Eastern Orthodox Christianity during our time in the Melkite Church, it was very difficult learning the Orthodox Christian ethos, customs, and traditions.We had already fallen in love with icons, architecture, vestments, the smells and bells, byzantine chant, the Divine Liturgy, and Vespers. It was quite different dealing with the "evil eye" and other superstitions we encountered among the Orthodox faithful.

However, our priest assured us that most Orthodox faithful do not know their faith because they grew up under Communism or at a time when the Orthodox Church did not have catechism classes for their youth. Therefore, the priest insisted that we really needed to know our faith so that we could help educate the adults. The priest had good intentions. Occasionally, we do get asked questions that we can readily answer, but most of the time we encounter Orthodox Christians who assure us that they know more by their living the faith (even though they curse, drink, gamble, and follow ancient superstitions).

« Last Edit: June 10, 2013, 03:03:10 PM by Maria »

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The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

All I can say is, "Wow!" You certainly have a great deal of insight about this topic.Thank you so much for this post, you cannot possibly know how truly helpful it was for me.I will try to respond to each part, below:

I was a cradle Roman Catholic and remained in the RCC for most of my life. When the now retired Archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Mahony, started his liturgical revolution and published his little book on that subject, my family had had enough.

I admit to not knowing any specifics about the liturgical revolution you mentioned, but the extent of my family's commitment to Roman Catholicism involves 45 minutes of church attendance every week, and not eating an hour before communion. They have little interest in the bible, except what is read in church, and live mostly secular lives for the other 167 hours of the week.

We started attending the Melkite Eastern Catholic Church (aka Orthodox Catholics) and occasionally visited the Byzantine Catholics (Ruthenian Eastern Catholics). We had no trouble making the Orthodox Sign of the Cross. However, when we visited a Roman Catholic Church once, and made the RCC Sign of the Cross so as not to confuse the Roman Catholics, then we became confused. Upon our return to the Melkite Church the next day, we accidentally inserted the "filioque" and then crossed ourselves several times the wrong way. The Melkite Bishop almost choked.

I always use the Orthodox Sign of the Cross, because it feels "right" to me as a form of outward expression. Most Roman Catholics don't seem to mind all that much which way I do it, anyway.

After three years of attending the Eastern Catholic Churches and attending inquiry classes at the local Orthodox Church, we finally took the plunge and became catechumens in the Orthodox Church.

Even though we had studied and read widely about Eastern Orthodox Christianity during our time in the Melkite Church, it was very difficult learning the Orthodox Christian ethos, customs, and traditions.We had already fallen in love with icons, architecture, vestments, the smells and bells, byzantine chant, the Divine Liturgy, and Vespers. It was quite different dealing with the "evil eye" and other superstitions we encountered among the Orthodox faithful.

I've attended/visited the Orthodox Church a few years longer than that, but I understand less now than when I first started.I read most of the catechism book and that's straightforward, so it is not necessarily about knowledge or reading anything.

Where you mention the Orthodox ethos, customs and traditions; perhaps that is more of what the problem is?What is this "evil eye" superstition you have encountered among the Orthodox faithful?

However, our priest assured us that most Orthodox faithful do not know their faith because they grew up under Communism or at a time when the Orthodox Church did not have catechism classes for their youth. Therefore, the priest insisted that we really needed to know our faith so that we could help educate the adults. The priest had good intentions. Occasionally, we do get asked questions that we can readily answer, but most of the time we encounter Orthodox Christians who assure us that they know more by their living the faith (even though they curse, drink, gamble, and follow ancient superstitions).

You hit this one right on the bulls-eye. I have no doubt that Communism is a major factor here, but I don't know what to do about it?While it would clearly never be my place to ever attempt to "educate" any older adults;this is a very interesting idea when you say most Orthodox faithful may not even know their own faith?

The major problem I have is that I've studied the bible extensively and run into many contradictions about it.The bible is right there in the front of the church; yet few seem to know what it says, or grasp even the basics.

I'm not overly concerned about anyone who might have personal weaknesses;and it is actually comforting to know that Orthodox Christians can curse, drink, gamble whatever, and not be thrown out of the church for doing so.

Perhaps you have answered my question in saying they may be doing it out of ignorance;instead of out of knowledge; but it all hurts the same, regardless.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

Venerating icons looks like Idolatry to a protestant, so you are not necessarily on solid ground here.It is also an action, rather than a belief.

If you mean "belief" in some other way; that is a mystery and still undefined to me."Belief" could be anything in that context.

The existence of a specific feast of the Church dedicated to icons and their veneration, which, at their core and essence, are proclamations of the Incarnation, means that their veneration is, indeed, a belief. Not only this, but those who actively rejected the veneration of icons, the iconoclasts, are singled out as heretics and anathematized.

Here are some of the hymns from the Sunday of Orthodoxy:

Uncircumscribed, Master, in Your divine nature, and incarnate in the last times, You were pleased to be circumscribed; for in assuming flesh, You also took on all its properties. Therefore, depicting the form of Your likeness, we give it a relative salutation and are exalted to love of You, and following the godly traditions of the apostles, we draw from it the grace of healings.

The Church of Christ has received a precious adornment: the radiant restoration of the venerable and holy icons of Christ the Savior, of God’s Mother and of all the saints. Through this she is made bright and resplendent with grace, and rejects the throng of heretics as she drives them out and joyfully gives glory to God who loves humankind, and who for her sake endured His voluntary sufferings.

The grace of truth has shone out; the things prefigured in shadows in times of old have now been openly fulfilled. For behold, the Church is clothed in a beauty that surpasses all earthly beauty, the physical icon of Christ, as she displays the type of the Tent of Witness and maintains the Orthodox faith, so that, holding fast to the icon of Him who we worship, we may not go astray. Let all who do not believe like this be covered with shame; but our glory is the form of the One made flesh, which is devoutly venerated but not made a god. As we kiss it, let us believers cry aloud, ‘O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance’.

Advancing from false religion to true, and illumined with the light of knowledge, let us clap our hands, as the psalm says, offering praise and thanksgiving to God; and with fitting honor let us venerate the sacred icons of Christ, of the all-pure Virgin and all the saints, whether depicted on walls, panels or sacred vessels, rejecting the impious religion of the heretics; for, as Basil says, the honor shown to the icon passes to the prototype, as we ask that at the prayers of Your immaculate Mother, Christ our God, and of all the saints, we may be granted Your great mercy.

No one could describe the Word of the Father; but when He took flesh from you, O Mother of God, He consented to be described, and restored the fallen image to its former state by uniting it to divine beauty. We confess and proclaim our salvation in word and images.

Lex orandi, lex credendi. We pray as we believe, we believe what we pray.

I ask this not to be grumpy, but in genuine confusion. What's everyone getting worked up about and changing the sign of the cross depending on what church you attend? I saw my friends do it when they visited my parish, and in Catholic school it was a source of bemusement for a small amount of my teachers, but I do not change how I make the sign of the cross regardless of where I am. Has anyone actually ever seen an Orthodox priest react badly to someone making the sign of the cross the Latin way?

For what it's worth, veneration of icons is part of the practice and integral to the theology of Eastern Catholics. In their Triodon, the First Sunday of the Great Fast commemorates the restoration of icons and the Triumph of Orthodoxy. Likewise, they make the Sign of the Cross in the Orthodox fashion.

Venerating icons looks like Idolatry to a protestant, so you are not necessarily on solid ground here.It is also an action, rather than a belief.

If you mean "belief" in some other way; that is a mystery and still undefined to me."Belief" could be anything in that context.

The existence of a specific feast of the Church dedicated to icons and their veneration, which, at their core and essence, are proclamations of the Incarnation, means that their veneration is, indeed, a belief. Not only this, but those who actively rejected the veneration of icons, the iconoclasts, are singled out as heretics and anathematized.

LBK,

This thread was a spin-off from a Protestant wanting to Convert to Orthodoxy for Marriage.Some posters objected to that, and said you must believe (in the Lord) first, before you convert;and that converting just for Marriage would "upset" people.

This crossing thread came from an apparently bad example where I said that I would find itinsincere to change the way I cross myself to avoid "upsetting" people; and if your real goalis to Convert for Marriage, perhaps it is better to be honest about that, rather than worrying about proving the sincerity of your beliefs, just to avoid "upsetting" people.

I said this in reference to an Orthodox Article about "Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth."

I'm not a protestant, but I've been to bible studies where I've asked their opinions about Icons, and I've had several tell me (from the Podium) that they most definitely considered VeneratingIcons to be a form of Idolatry, and recommended against doing so.

I'm aware of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, but all that tells me is the Worship of Icons is controversial.If it were a source of belief as you say, then there would be no need for a Sunday of Orthodoxy;as Icons would be automatically accepted by everyone without question.

Roman Catholics pray to Statues of Mary and Crosses on the Wall;and that could also be seen as Idolatry from the Protestant perspective as well,so I'm not necessarily saying that I have a dog in this fight.

However, from your comment above, it seems that believing in the Lord is irrelevant,compared to the act of Venerating Icons, and someone who is uncomfortable with doing thatis to be "singled out as a heretic and anathematized?"

I appreciate your saying this, so then let us go back to that Protestant and tell herthat instead of worrying about expressing "belief in the Lord"; she is now going to be forced to Venerate Icons, which may be condemned as Idolatry by her current religion.

And now during the process of Conversion to Orthodoxyshe can expect simultaneous condemnations from the Protestants for committing Idolatry by Venerating Icons in the Orthodox Church; and then from the Orthodox merely for questioning the legitimacy of this practice;and risk being singled out as a heretic and anathematized, for any hesitation in doing so?

I'm not necessarily familiar with Jesus condemning people for failure to Venerate Icons in the bible; so perhaps a Protestant may not be aware of the necessity to do thisin the Orthodox Church?

I'm aware of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, but all that tells me is the Worship of Icons is controversial.If it were a source of belief as you say, then there would be no need for a Sunday of Orthodoxy;as Icons would be automatically accepted by everyone without question.

Does that mean divinity of Christ is also not a part of belief since it hadn't been universally accepted?

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

I'm aware of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, but all that tells me is the Worship of Icons is controversial.If it were a source of belief as you say, then there would be no need for a Sunday of Orthodoxy;as Icons would be automatically accepted by everyone without question.

Does that mean divinity of Christ is also not a part of belief since it hadn't been universally accepted?

Or, indeed, the ever-virginity of the Mother of God? As for protestants denouncing the veneration of icons, they are mistaken, just as the iconoclasts were. Orthodoxy maintains and proclaims its beliefs and teachings, most visibly and accessibly through hymnography and iconography. The opinion of protestants is irrelevant in establishing and proclaiming Orthodox doctrine.

Sure, there are some matters of faith with which prospective converts might have difficulty in accepting, and a good priest or catechist should be able to guide such people to accepting these beliefs. However, the Church will not alter her beliefs or teachings to pander to the whims or errors of the non-Orthodox.

Does anyone know of some article or the reason why East and West make the sign of the Cross differently? I hear a lot of people say the West used to make the sign in the Orthodox way and changed at some point in Medieval Times. Does anyone confirm that information? What are the sources for that?

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Many Energies, 3 Persons, 2 Natures, 1 God, 1 Church, 1 Baptism, and 1 Cup. The Son begotten only from the Father, the Spirit proceeding only from the Father, Each glorifying the Other. The Son sends the Spirit, the Spirit Reveals the Son, the Father is seen in the Son. The Spirit spoke through the Prophets and Fathers and does so even today.

Does anyone know of some article or the reason why East and West make the sign of the Cross differently? I hear a lot of people say the West used to make the sign in the Orthodox way and changed at some point in Medieval Times. Does anyone confirm that information? What are the sources for that?

It's been my understanding that the Orthodox way is a newer way of doing it. Someone else can bring in sources to confirm one way or the other.

Does anyone know of some article or the reason why East and West make the sign of the Cross differently? I hear a lot of people say the West used to make the sign in the Orthodox way and changed at some point in Medieval Times. Does anyone confirm that information? What are the sources for that?

There's a book I'd recommend: The Sign of the Cross: the Gesture, the Mystery, the History, by Andreas Andreopoulos. I didn't "LOVE!!!!!" it the way I love other books, but it was a very nice introduction to the subject. He goes into the history of the various ways the Cross has been signed in East and West. The one thing that seems certain is that there was no particularly universal way of signing the Cross, it's been done differently in different places even before the major schisms. Even today, in the various "communions" (RC, EO, OO), there are different ways of crossing oneself that are accepted, even if one or the other form predominates.

I've heard that Pope Innocent III wrote about the Cross, saying that what's now the Byzantine way is the traditional way, but even in the quote, he admits that it's done differently...the direction of movement from the shoulders depends on what interpretation is given to the movement. For example, most interpretations agree that the movement from the forehead to the navel indicates the descent of the Son from heaven to earth, but then go on to justify the next movement by saying he came to "save and not to condemn" (right to left), to take those who were condemned and lead them to salvation (left to right), or even that he came first to the Jews, and then for the Gentiles (right to left). When invoking the Trinity, it also is said to depend on the position of the word "Holy" in "Holy Spirit"..."Holy" being the right, and "Spirit" being the left, closer to the heart. In Greek, that's right to left, in Syriac and Latin, that's left to right, etc.

Originally, the Cross was just traced on the forehead...if anything, that seems to have the best claim on universality. Even now, our (Syriac) canonical offices retain hymns for the Cross in which we say among other things "We trace [the Cross] on our foreheads". The full form Cross was a later development.

Mor Ephrem is a nice guy. Just say sorry and it will all be ok. Say I had things that were inside troubling me but I didn't know how to express appropriately. I will not behave that way again but I am seeking help.

I honestly go back and forth between making it right to left/left to right depending on my surroundings and I know several former Catholics in my parish who still make it left to right with open hand(which represent the five wounds of Christ is I remember right)

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All my hope I place in you, O Mother of God, keep me under your protection!

I'm aware of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, but all that tells me is the Worship of Icons is controversial.If it were a source of belief as you say, then there would be no need for a Sunday of Orthodoxy;as Icons would be automatically accepted by everyone without question.

Does that mean divinity of Christ is also not a part of belief since it hadn't been universally accepted?

Dear Michal,

The issue of "belief" as you say seems to be related more to ideology, than the difference between "beliefs" and "actions".It is one thing to be raised Orthodox from birth, and quite another to encounter it as an adult, and attempt to make sense of it.

The statement of "divinity of Christ" is meaningless to me; because that is an internal state of belief.You can say whatever you think is right at the time, but your inner beliefs are not openly exposed to public examination.

For someone new to the Orthodox Church; and being seriously and severely forewarned (from your own prior religious faith)that the Veneration of Icons either appears to be Idolatry or actually could be; this is a little different from every other issue.

There is a point in the Orthodox Services where everyone in Church goes up to Venerate an Icon.Without getting any further explanation or justification of this practice, or even being told the proper way to do it;that puts an Observing Visitor into an extremely precarious position.

Your ideological beliefs can be molded to fit the demands of the moment;but if you are told that Venerating an Icon is a very serious sin by your prior religious group;now you have several hundred witnesses that you just went up and Venerated an Icon.

Now you will be severely judged by God for doing so, because YOU know better, even if everyone else attending the Church does not, or is clueless about the specific Bible scriptures your initial belief is based on.

Whatever your ideological predisposition is: whether Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, etc...the act of going up and publicly Venerating and Icon; is much more than just BELIEF.

My personal statement to you Michal is: how do you know that you are right?What proof do you have that your Ideological understanding is superior to the Protestants?

I'm not saying this to provoke argument or to question the Orthodox belief system.I'm saying this from not knowing or understanding Orthodoxy at all; and now being forced to publicly Venerate an Iconafter being told by my prior religious group that doing this is a grave and serious sin.

Because you are raised Orthodox, it is no skin off your back to Venerate an Icon because you have been doing it from birth.But, what if my studies of the bible have brought me into a close personal relationship with God, and I don't want to lose it;or even better, I'm terrified of jeopardizing it?

Can you prove to me that God will not severely punish me, for Venerating an Icon in the Orthodox Church;when I have been specifically told by my bible teachers, that this is Idolatry and a grave sin?

How do you know that you are right?What if I listen to you, and start publicly Venerating Icons straight away;and then something terrible happens to me as a result of that?

I'm not saying this to doubt you or question your beliefs.I'm just asking you to explain your beliefs to me, to try and overcome these bible based objections from the Protestants or whoever else.

If all you can do is pretend it is part of Ideology, or threaten with heresy and anathema;then you are proving yourselves wrong from the very outset.You cannot threaten someone into believing what you want them to believe,and none of you on this board has even attempted to give a valid defense ofwhy there is such a necessity of venerating icons in the first place?

Please explain to me: Why it is necessary to publicly Venerate an Icon in Church,and try to make it good enough for me to feel comfortable taking the risk of offending God by doing so.

There is a lot of fear to overcome in doing this publicly, and I need something better than Ideologybecause I am being asked to take a public action here, that cannot be undone, not merely a statement of beliefs, as you proclaim.

Sure, there are some matters of faith with which prospective converts might have difficulty in accepting, and a good priest or catechist should be able to guide such people to accepting these beliefs. However, the Church will not alter her beliefs or teachings to pander to the whims or errors of the non-Orthodox.

Dear LBK,

The issue is not about asking the Orthodox Church to alter their beliefs or teachings.I'm only asking you to explain and justify or defend them, and you cannot seem to do so.

Any ideology can be imprinted on a child, but how do you justify taking a public action like Venerating an Icon in Church,when someone has been told and shown scriptural proof, that this may be a questionable practice?

There is a point in the Orthodox Services where everyone in Church goes up to Venerate an Icon.Without getting any further explanation or justification of this practice, or even being told the proper way to do it;that puts an Observing Visitor into an extremely precarious position.

Your ideological beliefs can be molded to fit the demands of the moment;but if you are told that Venerating an Icon is a very serious sin by your prior religious group;now you have several hundred witnesses that you just went up and Venerated an Icon.

I think I understand the points you were making in your post. I just wanted to single this out because I don't think it's necessarily true. Yes, there are points where the faithful in EO services will venerate icons. But if you're a non-Orthodox visitor, I don't think anyone will necessarily expect you to fall into line and do everything you see the faithful doing. For example, if the entire church goes up for Communion, you wouldn't be expected to do so (actually, you'd be expected not to).

The non-Orthodox visitor should not feel any pressure to engage in practices like icon veneration with which they are not yet comfortable due to a difference in faith. At the same time, if you're really interested in learning about the faith, you'll have to learn about the theology behind the painting and veneration of icons, since it flows from the Incarnation. If you want to become a member of the Church, you'll have to accept this as part of the faith. You don't necessarily have to venerate every icon in every church, some people are more minimalists and others more maximalists in this regard, but in principle you should accept the practice as legitimate, Orthodox, supported by Scripture, Tradition, etc.

So if you're not comfortable with it because it goes against everything you've ever been taught, that's OK, just don't do it when you visit. But if you're interested in learning about Orthodoxy on its own terms, you'll have to learn what we believe about it and why. If you're interested in learning because you might want to convert, then you'll have to accept that there are some things you learned from your youth that may be wrong, that your previous Bible teachers, pastors, and leaders could've been wrong, and then consider the issues for yourself. I don't see how you make a jump from Protestantism to Orthodoxy without at least some of that (even if you're not required to be a jerk about it).

Mor Ephrem is a nice guy. Just say sorry and it will all be ok. Say I had things that were inside troubling me but I didn't know how to express appropriately. I will not behave that way again but I am seeking help.

Yes, there are points where the faithful in EO services will venerate icons. But if you're a non-Orthodox visitor, I don't think anyone will necessarily expect you to fall into line and do everything you see the faithful doing.

I'm specifically talking about Vespers or the All-night Vigil from 6-9pm.At around 7:30pm, everyone goes up and venerates an Icon in the center of the church.

I don't have a clue about what to do when this happens, but usually I try to run out of the church, right before 7:30, and then come back 15-20 minutes later, when it's all over with.

However, sometimes I lose track of the time, and get trapped in there.Usually, a lot of people show up right before 7:30, just to venerate the Icon, and then they leave.If I don't make it out in time, all these people block the exit, and I am trapped in the church.

Then, everyone else goes up the to front and Venerates the Icon, and I am the only one who doesn't.So, then the priest is upset with me, for just standing there; and everyone else is looking at me, too?It got to the point, where I never entered the church anymore; and now I cannot even stand outside.

The non-Orthodox visitor should not feel any pressure to engage in practices like icon veneration with which they are not yet comfortable due to a difference in faith.

Wishful thinking on my part. Can I quote you to them, maybe hold up a sign saying, "Visitors shall not be pressured to engage in practices with which they are not yet comfortable?"I'm sure they'll respond to that positively?

The first time I went up to kiss the cross after Liturgy, the priest pulled the cross awayand started waving his arms around screaming at me that I had to cross myself first.

Who knows what he will do if I go up there and try to Venerate the Icon incorrectly?I'm not willing to take that chance yet, but now they get upset at me for just standing there, too?

At the same time, if you're really interested in learning about the faith, you'll have to learn about the theology behind the painting and veneration of icons, since it flows from the Incarnation. If you want to become a member of the Church, you'll have to accept this as part of the faith. You don't necessarily have to venerate every icon in every church, some people are more minimalists and others more maximalists in this regard, but in principle you should accept the practice as legitimate, Orthodox, supported by Scripture, Tradition, etc.

It would be helpful for someone to give an alternate explanation to the specific bible verses quoted against Venerating Icons.But, I need some kind of explanation for it. Monkey see monkey do, just doesn't work for me.I'm from the generation where everyone who caved in to peer pressure, ended up becoming alcoholics and drug addicts.I'm not going to do anything that hasn't been thoroughly explained to me in advance, and why do I need to apologize for that?

But if you're interested in learning about Orthodoxy on its own terms, you'll have to learn what we believe about it and why. If you're interested in learning because you might want to convert, then you'll have to accept that there are some things you learned from your youth that may be wrong, that your previous Bible teachers, pastors, and leaders could've been wrong, and then consider the issues for yourself. I don't see how you make a jump from Protestantism to Orthodoxy without at least some of that (even if you're not required to be a jerk about it).

Of course I'm interested in learning about Orthodoxy.It is not about believing in my previous bible teachers. I've rejected about 45% of everything they've ever said to me.The problem is with the other 45% that is straight out of the bible,that cannot easily be refuted.I need someone to at least defend the Veneration of Icons with something out of the bible,if that is even possible?Or just some kind of explanation to overcome the objections that I've been previously taught.

However, at this point, I'd just like to be able to attend church, without feeling reviled as a heretic or worse, by everyone else in there?

I've yet to set foot inside a Roman Catholic church, traditional or modern, which didn't have an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in a prominent place, and bristling with votive candles. And I've been inside many RC churche, of traditional and modern architecture and style.

I'm specifically talking about Vespers or the All-night Vigil from 6-9pm.At around 7:30pm, everyone goes up and venerates an Icon in the center of the church.

Yeah, I know what you're talking about. In general, I stand by my advice. I've done it myself on occasion.

Most of your description of your situation sounds very "tense". Have you tried to talk to the priest and maybe explain where you're coming from, how you don't want to appear disrespectful but you're not "there yet"? I haven't encountered a parish where the priest was so harsh toward visitors or inquirers, no matter how "strict" the parish was. If you haven't talked to the priest, he might just assume you are an Orthodox visitor and wonder why you're not "falling in"; once you explain it to him, I can't imagine it being a problem.

Regarding the other parishioners, you have to understand that they are people; not all people will be welcoming of visitors at first contact, they may be more cautious, more curious, etc., and any "difference" will register in their consciousness. That's just human behaviour. I experienced it, for example, when I moved to W. PA and walked into the local Applebee's for dinner and was the only non-white person in the entire restaurant (and I swore at the time, one of maybe ten in the entire town!): I could've sworn it was like those old Westerns where someone walks into the saloon, the music stops, and everyone freezes their gaze upon you. But it settled down eventually, and some people even came up to say hi and get to know me (and that NEVER happens where I'm from). It would be nice if people, especially "church" people, could be more open and welcoming, but there are a number of reasons why that's not often the case. You might just have to be ready for a stare or a quizzical look here and there. But I don't think anyone's going to notice you enough to grab you by the shoulders and start pushing you toward the icon...if they did that to me, I wouldn't accept blame for what I did next.

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The first time I went up to kiss the cross after Liturgy, the priest pulled the cross awayand started waving his arms around screaming at me that I had to cross myself first.

Who knows what he will do if I go up there and try to Venerate the Icon incorrectly?I'm not willing to take that chance yet, but now they get upset at me for just standing there, too?

The only time I've ever seen a priest "correct" someone on the proper procedure for venerating icons or crosses was when he knew it was an Orthodox person who was being lazy (e.g., a member of his parish). The same priest, when dealing with visitors, would "do his thing" and let them "do theirs". Some people just walk by without doing anything and he'll introduce himself and ask them to stay for a few minutes so he can chat with them when he's done, and others are from other Orthodox traditions and do what they're used to, which throws him off a bit, but it's all good.

Are you sure the priest doesn't think you're just a visiting Orthodox from somewhere else?

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It would be helpful for someone to give an alternate explanation to the specific bible verses quoted against Venerating Icons.But, I need some kind of explanation for it. Monkey see monkey do, just doesn't work for me.I'm from the generation where everyone who caved in to peer pressure, ended up becoming alcoholics and drug addicts.I'm not going to do anything that hasn't been thoroughly explained to me in advance, and why do I need to apologize for that?

You don't. If you're interested, there are a number of threads dealing with icon veneration, including at least one or two that are active now. Try looking through those and see if they answer your doubts; if not, join in and ask your questions.

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So you're saying that I should stand my ground and stare right back at them?200 against 1 sounds like fair odds. Okay, no problem.

Um, I don't think you need to stare right back at anyone. I don't think you ought to be compelled to do things you don't feel comfortable with before converting, so if that means you want to attend church without venerating icons, I think that's fine. But it might make you stick out in the group. If the priest knows you and your "story", it really should not be a problem with him (I've received some of the best treatment in parishes where the priests and people actually believe I'm a heretic and maybe just slightly better than a Hindu). If you get to know some people, that helps too, because people talk, and eventually even people who haven't met you know you're an inquirer. But you can't always please everyone, so if you get some stares or looks, you might just have to put up with it a little. Again, that's not a uniquely Orthodox problem, it's a human problem.

Mor Ephrem is a nice guy. Just say sorry and it will all be ok. Say I had things that were inside troubling me but I didn't know how to express appropriately. I will not behave that way again but I am seeking help.

Even though I was taught to pray to Mary statues and crosses on the wall from birth,there is no REQUIREMENT to do so, in the Roman Catholic church.

Perhaps it would be easier if I never studied the bible, but there is a bible in the Orthodox church, you know?Why should reading and studying the bible be regarded as a negative?

I'm not bothered so much by the assertion that Roman Catholics do not venerate icons. Technically, it's not true as others have demonstrated, but you can't say that they venerate them as universally and ritually as EO do, it's very much a matter of personal devotion except for something like Good Friday's veneration of the Cross. So it does appear as a difference to some extent.

I'm more concerned with the idea of being taught to pray TO statues and crosses. Pray BEFORE them, fine, but TO? I don't know even one Catholic who thinks they pray to objects. The Catholic Church certainly doesn't teach people to pray to objects. Someone somewhere was/is wrong...

Mor Ephrem is a nice guy. Just say sorry and it will all be ok. Say I had things that were inside troubling me but I didn't know how to express appropriately. I will not behave that way again but I am seeking help.

I've yet to set foot inside a Roman Catholic church, traditional or modern, which didn't have an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in a prominent place, and bristling with votive candles. And I've been inside many RC churche, of traditional and modern architecture and style.

This is entirely irrelevant to the discussion but:Yes, I'm absolutely serious.

There is no requirement (that I'm personally aware of) to Venerate an Icon during a Roman Catholic Mass.I've lit candles in with my father (for a quarter) when I was a child, but that was something entirely different from what you are talking about.

What do you think happens on Good Friday services when the faithful line up to venerate the crucifix? I've been to places where it is a 2-D icon as opposed to a 3-D representation.

Tell a Polish Catholic that he doesn't venerate Our Lady of Czestochowa and we'll see how far you get.

The feet of many a statute of saints in an RC church are highly polished now because of the veneration it receives.

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Wow! This is interesting? Am I required to be polite here?My family forced me to go to Catechism or CCD classes the first 8 years of Grammar school, until I made my Confirmation.

Everyone in the neighborhood I grew up in was Roman Catholic.There is no Roman Catholic example to follow in Venerating Icons the way the Orthodox do.Roman Catholics do not venerate icons during Mass, at least not during the 2000+ ones I've been forced to attend.

My only example of Roman Catholic belief is 45 minutes a week of church attendance and fasting an hour before Communion.Outside of that, almost anything goes.

Whatever Roman Catholics choose to do outside of mass is their business, but there is a lot of freedom of choicewith what you are required to believe, or who you can disagree with.

I don't know if you misunderstood me, but perhaps if I reword it as:Roman Catholics are not required to Venerate Icons, and not a single one at the parish I've attended has ever done so, during my entire life.There is no possible example to follow from Roman Catholicism, with how to Venerate Icons in an Orthodox Church.

I don't even remember what happens on Good Friday, except for being bored to death;but Venerating Icons does not happen there, I can tell you that for sure.

What do you think happens on Good Friday services when the faithful line up to venerate the crucifix? I've been to places where it is a 2-D icon as opposed to a 3-D representation.

Tell a Polish Catholic that he doesn't venerate Our Lady of Czestochowa and we'll see how far you get.

The feet of many a statute of saints in an RC church are highly polished now because of the veneration it receives.

You have no idea what you're talking about.

I don't even remember what happens on Good Friday, except for being bored to death;but Venerating Icons does not happen there, I can tell you that for sure.

So you admit you have no idea what you are talking about. Veneration of the Cross is the centerpiece of the Good Friday service. You know what you do? You get in line like you're going to communion, cross yourself, get on your knees, and kiss the feet of the corpus on the crucifix held before you.

No. You said, "Roman Catholics do not venerate icons". That's not a statement of personal experience, that's a general statement that is demonstratively false.

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Why are you disagreeing with my Roman Catholic experiences when you say you are OCA?

Because I know what I'm talking about. I grew up RC, went to a parochial school for six years, then continued my RC education via CCD classes (gladly, I might add) through high school graduation. I was arguably the leading altar server from sixth grade through ninth grade when I turned the reins over, so to speak. I considered RC seminary. I have nothing but fond memories of my RC upbringing and formation. I do not have an axe to grind. I became Orthodox because I believe that is where the fullness of the Truth lies.

I will give that veneration of icons is not as much of the RC liturgical experience as in the Orthodox Church. But your pronouncements on what RCs believe and practice is not only colored by your admittedly limited experience but also, apparently, by the chip on your shoulder about your upbringing.

The EO venerate icons. It's very much a part of our corporate and personal piety. If you don't like it or can't, don't. The answers as to why are right in front of you and easy to discover.

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"Hearing a nun's confession is like being stoned to death with popcorn." --Abp. Fulton Sheen

The problem is extrapolating from your individual experience a generalization about all Roman Catholics which is false.

You are taking what I said out of context.Roman Catholics are not required to Venerate Icons as part of the Sunday Mass,and they do not do it as a part of the Sunday Mass (at least where I attended).So, there is no example from the Roman Catholic Church to follow,in knowing how or why the Orthodox Venerate Icons, the way that they do it.

I feel I can extrapolate my experience as a Roman Catholic because I was raised that way from birth.I'm not making any statements about what Roman Catholics may do on their own private time,I'm just saying there is no example to follow with understanding Orthodox Icon Veneration,merely from attending the Roman Catholic Sunday Mass.

The problem is extrapolating from your individual experience a generalization about all Roman Catholics which is false.

You are taking what I said out of context.Roman Catholics are not required to Venerate Icons as part of the Sunday Mass,and they do not do it as a part of the Sunday Mass (at least where I attended).So, there is no example from the Roman Catholic Church to follow,in knowing how or why the Orthodox Venerate Icons, the way that they do it.

I feel I can extrapolate my experience as a Roman Catholic because I was raised that way from birth.I'm not making any statements about what Roman Catholics may do on their own private time,I'm just saying there is no example to follow with understanding Orthodox Icon Veneration,merely from attending the Roman Catholic Sunday Mass.

I too was a cradle Roman Catholic and was educated at a Catholic university.

Both Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians venerate relics especially the Relics of the Holy Cross on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14, unless Rome has changed that date.

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The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Save your fingers, Maria. Robotron doesn't want to read about your opposite experiences as a Roman Catholic. His own coerced low church experience is what is the de rigueur for all Roman Catholics.

I am giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Perhaps he has forgotten about venerating the relics of the Holy Cross.Or perhaps he has never been to church on the feast of the Holy Cross.

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The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Veneration of the Cross is the centerpiece of the Good Friday service. You know what you do? You get in line like you're going to communion, cross yourself, get on your knees, and kiss the feet of the corpus on the crucifix held before you.

that is the definition of veneration of an icon.

I have no memory of anything like that ever, in the Roman Catholic Church that I attended; but it doesn't matter anyway.There are no examples from the weekly Latin mass that will ever tell you how the Orthodox Venerate Icons.

No. You said, "Roman Catholics do not venerate icons". That's not a statement of personal experience, that's a general statement that is demonstratively false.

The context of that statement was the implication that being Roman Catholic means you already know how the Orthodox Venerate Icons.There is nothing from the Roman Catholic Mass that prepares you for how the Orthodox Venerate Icons.I meant it as a statement of personal experience, that I cannot be expected to know how the Orthodox Venerate Icons,just from my experiences with attending the Latin Catholic Mass.

In the context of how it is required to be done during the Orthodox all-night Vigil, "Roman Catholics do not venerate icons" during the Latin Mass, in a way that could ever possibly prepare them, for understanding how the Orthodox do it,just from Roman Catholic Church attendance alone.

I never meant it as a general statement. I meant it that merely attending the Roman Catholic Mass,does not prepare you for understanding how the Orthodox will Venerate Icons during an All-Night Vigil.

Because I know what I'm talking about. I grew up RC, went to a parochial school for six years, then continued my RC education via CCD classes (gladly, I might add) through high school graduation. I was arguably the leading altar server from sixth grade through ninth grade when I turned the reins over, so to speak. I considered RC seminary. I have nothing but fond memories of my RC upbringing and formation. I do not have an axe to grind. I became Orthodox because I believe that is where the fullness of the Truth lies.

I will give that veneration of icons is not as much of the RC liturgical experience as in the Orthodox Church. But your pronouncements on what RCs believe and practice is not only colored by your admittedly limited experience but also, apparently, by the chip on your shoulder about your upbringing.

The EO venerate icons. It's very much a part of our corporate and personal piety. If you don't like it or can't, don't. The answers as to why are right in front of you and easy to discover.

I cannot offer you an honest opinion about your first paragraph, without being banned from this forum.

My personal attendance at the Roman Catholic Church I was raised at,gave me no preparation or understanding whatsoever,about how the Orthodox at the Church I have specifically attended, Venerate Icons.

Apparently a firestorm has erupted where Icon Veneration is now required in every Roman Catholic Church,except for the one that I attended.

No. The Eastern Catholic Churches have Icon veneration, but few Roman Catholic churches did when I was a Roman Catholic and member of a Melkite Eastern Catholic parish.

I did mention the veneration of the relics of the Holy Cross. Have you ever venerated these relics?

« Last Edit: June 19, 2013, 05:23:57 PM by Maria »

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The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.